Winter Lawns

Homeowners wanting a green lawn during the winter should consider sowing ryegrass. Ryegrass is desirable for landscape plantings where there is very little green during the winter, especially where there are many deciduous trees and shrubs. It provides a strong contrast color in the environment and is very attractive as a background for major plantings of spring flowering bulbs and early flowering trees and shrubs.

Common ryegrass has many names, including Italian, American, Oregon, imported, domestic, native and annual rye. It is widely adapted, does well in either sun or shade and tolerates frequent close mowing. If seeded heavily and mowed closely, it can provide a very dense and attractive lawn throughout the winter. Since it is an annual it will die out in late spring or early summer. By the time the ryegrass dies, the permanent lawngrass should be actively growing and will provide color and cover the rest of the growing season. The ryegrass will have to be reseeded the next winter when the permanent grass again browns off and goes dormant.

Establishment of winter ryegrass is a fairly simple procedure. It is best to wait until the permanent lawngrass is approaching or has reached its dormant period. This means seeding around mid-to-late November in central and northern Florida. South Florida is usually so warm that the lawngrasses don't go dormant. However, they may discolor enough to justify the use of ryegrass for winter color.

The lawn should be mowed low to the ground, raked and otherwise trimmed to remove as much debris as possible. Close mowing is usually the most homeowners can do, but de-thatching (removal of the excessive spongy debris) is very desirable. Anyway, remove as much of the dead or browned grass as possible.

Broadcast 5 to 15 pounds of fresh, weed-free seed per 1000 square feet of surface area and rake lightly to get the seed through the old sod and in contact with the soil. A fertilizer spreader can be used to apply the seed. For best coverage apply half the seed in one direction and the rest at a right angle to the first application. A more uniform stand can be established this way. It is not absolutely necessary but if possible, topdress the seed with about one-eight inch of soil to cover the seed. The trick in establishing the ryegrass is proper watering. The seed must be kept moist, not flooded, for proper germination and growth of the seedlings. This may mean light watering several times a day, especially during midday. Water just enough to keep the seeds moist. Continue frequent watering until the plants are well established.

Begin mowing when the grass is tall enough to be cut - around one to two inches. Maintain this height by weekly cutting throughout the winter. Water when necessary and fertilize as often as necessary to maintain desired growth and color.

Don't leave your lawn brown and unsightly this winter. Color it green with ryegrass, and go first class with grass!